Climber reported missing in Peru

A British climber is missing in Peru, the Foreign Office confirmed (AP)

A 22-year-old British climber has been reported missing in South America, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed.

Thomas Jagger, believed to be from the Buxton area of Derbyshire, has been missing for around a week in the Ancash region of Peru.

The Foreign Office said in a statement: "We were notified on 27 July that a British national, Thomas Jagger, has been reported missing in Huaraz, Peru.

"We are providing consular assistance to his family at this difficult time."

The Foreign Office issued a statement on behalf of the family and a close friend of Mr Jagger.

The statement, from Stuart, Helen, Frances and Iain Jagger and Mark, Julia and Luke Dyer said: "This is a sad time for both families. Tom was a much-loved son, brother and friend and we wish to be given time to come to terms with what has happened.

"This difficult period is not being helped by speculative and untruthful reports appearing in the tabloid media. We would like to be left alone to grieve privately."